@RyderMum tweeted a snap of the view from her sun lounger after a morning dip in the outdoor pool at David Lloyd Leisure in Moor Allerton, while @NormySteve tweeted a photograph of a thermometer reading of 32C in Normanton at 1.30pm.

Park Square, a perennial favourite among city-centre sun-seekers was predictably packed at lunchtime, while Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen on Cross Belgrave Street, which boasts “the most spectacular roof terrace in Leeds” saw its outside area steadily filling up as the day wore on.

Venue supervisor Sam Ward said:” It’s busy pretty much every day when the sun is out.

“We’ve got a bar on the roof, music, sheds to hang out in, deck chairs – all the tables up there are full.”

Those lucky enough to be off work headed further afield to beauty spots including Yeadon Tarn; Roundhay Park; Meanwood Valley Urban Farm and Lotherton Hall and Gardens. At Ilkley Lido, staff welcomed 150 people through their doors in the first 25 minutes.

The highest UK temperature of the year was 28.7C on July 4. And tomorrow is expected to reach at least 30C in the South East.

However, the Met Office has issued weather warnings for West Yorkshire for the weekend, with thunder, lightning and large hail stones predicted.

Animals feel the heat

Slathering on the suncream was a must for two porkers, to prevent them sizzling in the sun.

Karen Goodall, of Goodalls of Tong ice-cream parlour and farm, rubbed generous dollops of factor 30 on to ginger pigs George and Donut to protect them from sunburn. She said: “They love being lathered up. They lie down with their legs up in the air like a dog.”

The animal-lover also mixed up super-sized carrot and apple ice-lollies for the pigs, donkeys and ponies, to help them stay cool during the heatwave.